Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Jake Paul’s efforts at becoming leaders in women’s boxing promotion has come under significant fire, after Heather Hardy, former WBO featherweight world champion initiated legal proceedings against Jake Paul, MVP, its COO Bryce Holden seeking $10 Million damages.
Hardy claims that MVP exploited her financial difficulties to secure a rematch with Amanda Serrano, MVP’s star fighter and multi-division champion, in 2023.
The lawsuit alleges that the defendants were aware, or should have been aware, that the fight posed an extraordinary and foreseeable risk of serious neurological injury to Hardy.
The case was filed in a Texas federal court on September 23 and spans 54 pages.
According to Hardy, she was encouraged to agree to a fight that was potentially dangerous despite her financial situation and the physical toll her career had taken on her. Several people close to her, including her longtime promoter Lou DiBella and Gleason’s Gym founder Bruce Silverglade, reportedly had serious concerns about the rematch.
Hardy first faced Amanda Serrano in September 2019 for the vacant WBC interim featherweight title, where her WBO title was also at stake. The bout ended in a unanimous decision loss for Hardy.
DiBella allegedly declined to arrange a rematch due to safety concerns; however, Hardy went on to fight Serrano again.
The rematch, a ten-round contest for the undisputed featherweight title, again concluded with Hardy losing by unanimous decision. The fight took place as the co-main event on the same card headlined by Jake Paul’s bout against Nate Diaz.
Hardy asserts that MVP circumvented DiBella’s refusal by having Holden Boxing serve as the licensed promotional entity for the event, which occurred on August 5, 2023, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
During the fight, Serrano landed 242 power punches, which Hardy claims caused lasting neurological injuries that effectively ended her boxing career. These issues became more evident in 2024 when Hardy experienced vision loss during light training ahead of a bare-knuckle fight.
An ophthalmologist reportedly linked her vision problems to brain injury. The lawsuit references a medical evaluation concluding Hardy suffers from traumatic brain injury along with memory problems, double vision, anxiety, spatial difficulties, and impaired depth perception.
Consequently, Hardy has struggled with concentration and maintaining regular employment. She now depends on Medicaid and medication, and is only able to coach for limited periods before her symptoms worsen.
The lawsuit lists five causes of action against the defendants: gross negligence, negligent undertaking, negligence per se, ordinary negligence, and violation of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act.
Hardy’s complaint also highlights recent cases involving injuries to fighters Isis Sio and Shadasia Green, arguing these incidents underscore broader concerns regarding fighter safety.
Moreover, Hardy accuses MVP of selecting jurisdictions with less stringent oversight for certain commercially valuable events. Alongside the $10 million in damages, she seeks legal costs and an injunction requiring enhanced safeguards for fighters.
Response from Jake Paul and MVP
MVP expressed respect and sympathy toward Hardy’s situation, emphasizing their hope she receives appropriate care and support. They stated that Hardy’s participation on the August 5, 2023 card was arranged through her promoter Lou DiBella, who contracted the fight, and that Hardy herself publicly expressed gratitude for the opportunity both before and after the bout.
MVP maintained that all applicable protocols were followed, that Hardy was medically cleared to compete by the overseeing athletic commission, and that the fight proceeded under its authority and safety requirements. They reaffirmed their commitment to fighter safety and compliance with commission standards.
This position aligns with statements Hardy made in 2023, when she expressed gratitude for the chance to compete and pursue the undisputed championship.
Background and Related Legal Cases
This lawsuit may mark the first time Jake Paul and MVP face litigation from a fighter not promoted by them. However, there have been previous legal actions involving fighters pursuing claims related to their health and fight conditions.
In 2019, Daniel Franco sued Roc Nation Sports and others after sustaining a career-ending brain injury following a series of closely scheduled contests despite concerns about his readiness.
Prichard Colon, who passed away recently, filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit alleging negligence by medical personnel and promoters after suffering a severe brain injury in 2015. Negligence claims against Lou DiBella and related parties were reportedly dismissed.
Another notable case involved heavyweight Magomed Abdusalamov, whose family reached a $22 million settlement with New York State over allegations of inadequate medical response following his 2013 fight.
This is not Hardy’s first legal battle related to her boxing career. In September 2025, she filed a separate lawsuit against DiBella, a ringside physician, and other defendants concerning alleged negligence related to earlier fights.
Her current case will now proceed as Jake Paul and MVP prepare their defense against the allegations.